Apparatus and method for inspecting a fusion joint

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/289,559, filedFeb. 28, 2019, now allowed, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No.62/730,695, filed Sep. 13, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to pipes. In particular, thefollowing relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting a fusionjoint.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,811,721 and 8,488,871 both disclose a three-dimensionalultrasonic inspection apparatus to determine the integrity of a joinedarea. The apparatus comprises: an ultrasonic transducer disposed m×npiezoelectric vibrators; a signal processing unit that receives, detectsan echo, and generates a three-dimensional image; a peak detectingelement that detects a first peak and a second peak of an intensitydistribution of the three-dimensional image data; a joint portion imagecreation unit to create a three-dimensional image of the joined area; adetermination unit to determine whether the joined area is sound bytwo-step determination; and a display unit to display thethree-dimensional image and the determination result, of the joinedarea.

United States Pub. No. 20160109410 discloses a pipe inspecting apparatusthat comprises a selection module configured to select two ultrasonicoptical probes from a plurality of ultrasonic optical probes attached toa pipe. The apparatus further includes a power supplying moduleconfigured to supply power to an ultrasonic transducer of one of theultrasonic optical probes to input an ultrasonic wave from theultrasonic transducer to the pipe and to supply the ultrasonic wave viathe pipe to an optical fiber sensor of the other ultrasonic opticalprobe. The apparatus further includes a light detection moduleconfigured to detect laser light transmitted through the optical fibersensor of the other ultrasonic optical probe.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for inspecting a fusionjoint, the apparatus comprising: an ultrasound (“US”) probe incommunication with a processor; a database comprising classificationrules; and the processor operable to: generate an initial set of USscanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of atleast one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the USprobe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial USscanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum withone or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured USpulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluatean aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if thefusion joint is defective.

The apparatus can further comprise a display, and the processor can befurther configured to identify the initial set of US scanning positionsto a user via the display.

A least one adjacent pair of the initial US scanning positions can beseparated by at least one width of an US beam generated by the US probe.

The processor can be further configured to add one or more new USscanning positions adjacent a US scanning position having a measured USecho-spectrum classified as anomalous.

A beam of the US probe can be perpendicular to the fusion joint.Alternatively, a beam of the US probe can be oblique to the fusionjoint.

The processor can be further configured to analyze the US pulse-echospectrums of the US scanning positions in a longitudinal row extendingaxially along the fusion joint to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.

In addition, the processor can be further configured to identify a voidin the fusion joint, as well as estimate the size of the void.

The fusion joint can be selected from the group consisting of anelectrofusion joint, a butt-fusion joint and a saddle joint.Furthermore, the electrofusion joint may be an electrofusion couplingjoint, an electrofusion saddle joint, an electrofusion elbow joint or anelectrofusion tee joint.

Where the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint or anelectrofusion saddle joint; the processor can be further configured toanalyze the measured US pulse-echo spectrums in at least one of a fusionzone and a cold zone to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

Where the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint; the processorcan be further configured to analyze the measured US pulse-echospectrums from US scanning positions in a quadrant representing aportion of the electrofusion coupling joint between a fusion fitting andone of the pipes joined in the electrofusion coupling fusion joint inwhich heating wires are located, to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.

With regards to evaluation of the aggregate, this can be based on aplurality of sub-tests applied to values assigned to the measured USpulse-echo spectrums. The number of sub-tests may be between four andten. Alternatively, it may be six; greater than six; or between two andsix.

In another aspect, there is provided a generating, by a processor, aninitial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based oninformation of at least one of a US probe and the fusion joint;measuring, via a US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two ofthe initial US scanning positions; comparing, by the processor, eachmeasured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echospectrums; classifying, by the processor, each measured US pulse-echospectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluating. by theprocessor, an aggregate of the measured US pulse-echo spectrums todetermine if the fusion joint is defective.

At least one adjacent pair of the initial US scanning positions can beseparated by at least one width of an US beam generated by the US probe.

The method can further comprise adding, by the processor, one or morenew US scanning positions adjacent a US scanning position having ameasured US echo-spectrum classified as anomalous.

A beam of the US probe can be perpendicular to the fusion joint.Alternatively, a beam of the US probe can be oblique to the fusionjoint.

The US pulse-echo spectrums of the US scanning positions in alongitudinal row extending axially along the fusion joint may beanalyzed, by the processor, to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.

Furthermore, the method can further comprise identifying, by theprocessor, a void in the fusion joint, as well as identifying a size ofthe void.

In the method, the fusion joint can be selected from the groupconsisting of an electrofusion joint, a butt-fusion joint and a saddlejoint. Furthermore, the electrofusion joint may be an electrofusioncoupling joint, an electrofusion saddle joint, an electrofusion elbowjoint or an electrofusion tee joint.

Where the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint or anelectrofusion saddle joint; the method can further comprise analysis, bythe processor, of the measured US pulse-echo spectrums in at least oneof a fusion zone and a cold zone to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.

Where the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint, the methodcan further comprise analysis, by the processor, of the measured USpulse-echo spectrums in a quadrant representing a portion of theelectrofusion coupling joint between a fusion fitting and one of thepipes joined in the electrofusion coupling joint in which heating wiresare located, to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

With regards to evaluation of the aggregate, this can be based on aplurality of sub-tests applied to values assigned to the measured USpulse-echo spectrums. The number of sub-tests may be between four andten. Alternatively, it may be six; greater than six; or between two andsix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described hereinand to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, referencewill now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electrofusion fitting fusedto two pipes

FIG. 1B shows a sectional view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows an apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of various hardware components of theapparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a flow chart of the general method of analyzing the integrityof a fusion joint used by the apparatus of FIGS. 2A and 2B; while FIGS.3B and 3C illustrate scanning positions of a hypothetical small fusionjoint;

FIG. 4A illustrates a first demarcation of ultrasound (“US”) scanningpositions on the exterior fitting surface of the electrofusion fittingshown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of longitudinal and circumferentialgridlines drawn on the exterior fitting surface of the electrofusionfitting shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4C illustrates virtual US scanning positions on an electrofusionfitting as drawn by the apparatus of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 5A shows an initial set of US scanning positions presented by theapparatus of FIGS. 2A and 2B to be scanned by a user;

FIG. 5B shows division of the fusion zones of the embodiment shown inFIG. 4A into eight quadrants;

FIG. 6 shows positioning of a US probe at virtual US scanning positionsof an electrofusion coupling joint under direction of the apparatus ofFIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 7 shows an interface presented by the apparatus of FIGS. 2A and 2Bduring inspection of an electrofusion coupling joint;

FIG. 8 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum observed in anon-defective electrofusion coupling joint using the apparatus of FIG.2A;

FIG. 9A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint using the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint having a water pocket/void in the joint using theapparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 10B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint having mud or other contamination in the joint using theapparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 11B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint wherein the electrofusion fitting is misaligned with thepolymer pipe using the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 12B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint where the polymer pipe is under-inserted into theelectrofusion fitting prior to electrofusion using the apparatus of FIG.2A;

FIG. 13B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint where the surface of the polymer pipe is over-scrapedprior to electrofusion using the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 14B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint where oxidation on the surface of the polymer pipe isunscraped prior to electrofusion using the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 15B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in an electrofusioncoupling joint having a typical void in the joint using the apparatus ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 16B shows an US pulse-echo spectrum observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint, compared to FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17 is a schematic mapping of initial US scanning positions alongthe grid of FIG. 5A using the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 18A shows a section view of a socket fusion tool interposed betweena fitting and a pipe;

FIG. 18B shows a section view of the socket fusion tool interposedbetween and in contact with the fitting and the pipe of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C shows a section view of the fitting and the pipe being pressedtogether after heating via the socket fusion tool of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18D shows a section view of the joint formed between the fittingand the pipe of FIG. 18A being inspected using the apparatus forinspecting fusion joints of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 19A shows a section view of a saddle fusion tool interposed betweena fitting and a pipe;

FIG. 19B shows a section view of the saddle fusion tool interposedbetween and in contact with the fitting and the pipe of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C shows a section view of the fitting and the pipe being pressedtogether after heating via the saddle fusion tool of FIG. 19A; and

FIG. 19D shows a section view of the joint formed between the fittingand the pipe of FIG. 19A being inspected using the apparatus forinspecting fusion joints of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 20A shows a section view of a butt fusion tool interposed betweenand in contact with two pipes;

FIG. 20B shows a section view of the two pipes being pressed togetherafter heating via the butt fusion tool of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20C shows placement of a US probe on a pair of pipes joined viabutt fusion along with the direction of US beam directed at a buttfusion joint;

FIG. 20D shows an echo spectrum of a butt fusion joint obtained usingthe apparatus of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of grid lines around a butt fusionjoint;

FIG. 22A shows a front cutaway view of an electrofusion saddle joint;

FIG. 22B shows a side sectional view of a US probe on the electrofusionsaddle shown in FIG. 22A;

FIG. 22C illustrates an embodiment of grid lines around theelectrofusion saddle joint in FIGS. 22A and 22B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where consideredappropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodimentsdescribed herein may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments describedherein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting thescope of the embodiments described herein.

Various terms used throughout the present description may be read andunderstood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” asused throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or; singulararticles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, andvice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpartpronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anythingdescribed herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a singlegender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or“exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over otherembodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; thesemay apply to prior and subsequent instances of” those terms, as will beunderstood from a reading of the present description.

Any module, unit, component, server, computer, terminal, engine ordevice exemplified herein that executes instructions may include orotherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage media,computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and/ornon-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, ortape. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information, such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examplesof computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed byan application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may bepart of the device or accessible or connectable thereto. Further, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise, any processor or controller setout herein may be implemented as a singular processor or as a pluralityof processors. The plurality of processors may be arrayed ordistributed, and any processing function referred to herein may becarried out by one or by a plurality of processors, even though a singleprocessor may be exemplified. Any method, application or module hereindescribed may be implemented using computer readable/executableinstructions that may be stored or otherwise held by such computerreadable media and executed by the one or more processors.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electrofusion fitting fusedto two pipes, while FIG. 1B shows a sectional view of FIG. 1A. This iscommonly referred to as an electrofusion coupling joint. Other types ofelectrofusion joints (e.g. electrofusion saddle joint, electrofusionelbow joint, electrofusion tee joint, etc) may also be inspected by theapparatus and method described henceforth.

In FIG. 1A, an electrofusion coupling joint 20 comprise an electrofusionfitting 32 that is fused to two pipes (each marked as 24). The pipes 24and electrofusion fitting 32 have a common central axis CA. Theelectrofusion fitting 32 has an exterior surface 40. In addition, a pairof electrical connectors 64 emerge from the electrofusion fitting 32.The connectors 64 are connected to heating wires located inside theelectrofusion fitting 32. Fusion zones 56 and cold zones 60 areexplained further with reference to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B shows a sectional view of a portion of the electrofusioncoupling joint 20 shown in FIG. 1A. The electrofusion coupling joint 20is formed to join a pair of polymer pipes 24. The pipes 24 are made ofpolyethylene in the presently illustrated embodiment but can be made ofother suitable polymers. Such pipes 24 are often situated inenvironments that can make it onerous to access the pipes 24. Forexample, the pipes 24 may be buried below ground, making the creation ofa good joint particularly desirable, as the re-excavation of the pipes24 to repair or replace the joint can be quite costly. The pipes 24 havean interior surface 26 and an exterior pipe surface 28.

An electrofusion fitting 32 spans over the pipes 24. The electrofusionfitting 32 is typically primarily made from polyethylene but can be madefrom various other suitable materials. The electrofusion fitting 32 hasan interior surface 36 that is sized to receive the exterior pipesurface 28 of the pipes 24 snugly, and an exterior fitting surface 40. Aridge 44 extends circumferentially and centrally axially along theinterior surface 36 of the electrofusion fitting 32.

When the pipes 24 are received within the interior of the electrofusionfitting 32, insertion of the pipes 24 within the electrofusion fitting32 is limited by the ridge 44, thus resulting in a gap 48 separating thepipes 24. A set of heating wires 52 are coiled circumferentially aboutand adjacent to the interior surface 36. The heating wires 52 arepositioned adjacent the interior surface 36 of the electrofusion fitting32 in fusion zones 56 that are positioned close to but ending before thegap 48 between the pipes 24. Portions of the interior surface 36 of theelectrofusion fitting 32 that do not have heating wires 52 are referredto as cold zones 60. One of the cold zones 60 is positioned around thegap 48 between the pipes 24 as there are no heating wires 52 immediatelyadjacent the gap 48. The heating wires 52 are coupled to a pair ofelectrical connectors 64. The heating wires 52 extend in a loop from theelectrical connectors 64 to form an electrical circuit.

In order to connect the pipes 24 together, the exterior pipe surface 28of the pipes 24 are lightly scraped to remove oxidized material from theexterior pipe surface 28 of the pipes 24. The electrofusion fitting 32is then friction fitted over the ends of the pipes 24. The ridge 44limits the insertion of the pipes 24 within the interior of theelectrofusion fitting 32. Once the pipes 24 are deemed to be in placewithin the electrofusion fitting 32, an electricity source is connectedto the electrical connectors 64 and a current is generated along theheating wires 52. The electrical current heats the heating wires 52sufficiently to melt the interior surface 36 of the electrofusionfitting 32 and the exterior pipe surface 28 of the pipes 24. Once it isdeemed that the interior surface 36 of the electrofusion fitting 32 hassufficiently bonded with the exterior pipe surface 28 of the pipes 24,the electrical current is terminated, and the electrical source isdecoupled from the electrical connectors 64.

There are a variety of issues that can interfere with the formation of agood joint between the pipes 24 and the electrofusion fitting 32. Forexample, where the electric current through the heating wires 52 isinterrupted, the polymers of the pipes 24 and the electrofusion fitting32 can re-solidify prior to the formation of a good seal between them.Water, mud, and other contaminants trapped between the exterior pipesurface 28 of the pipes 24 and the interior surface 36 of theelectrofusion fitting 32 can become trapped therebetween when theheating wires 52 are heated up. One or both of the pipes 24 can bemisaligned with the electrofusion fitting 32 so that the central axis ofthe pipe(s) 24 and the central axis of the electrofusion fitting 32 areoblique to or spaced from one another, thus creating regions of thejoint where gaps exist between the exterior pipe surface 28 of thepipe(s) 24 and the interior surface 36 of the electrofusion fitting 32.One or both of the pipes 24 can be under-inserted in the electrofusionfitting 32, thus causing the fusion zone of the electrofusion fitting 32to be positioned axially along the pipe(s) 24 closer to or overlappingan end of the pipe(s) 24, potentially resulting in melted materialleaking out from between the exterior pipe surface 28 of the pipe(s) 24and the interior surface 36 of the electrofusion fitting 32. During theprocess of preparing the pipes 24 for the joint, the exterior pipesurface 28 of each pipe 24 can be over-scraped, resulting in poorcontact between the exterior pipe surface 28 of the pipe 24 and theinterior surface 36 of the electrofusion fitting 32. The pipes 24 can bemoved prior to cool down of the material heated by the heating wires 52.The ovality of the pipes 24 can decrease the joint quality.

FIGS. 2A and 2B shows an apparatus 100 for inspecting a fusion jointsuch as the electrofusion coupling joint 20 shown in FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment. The apparatus 100 uses US beams to detectchanges in materials in a fusion joint. US pulse echoes returning backthrough the fusion joint contain a significant amount of informationabout the substrate through which the sound passes. Good welds with nodefects produce a very distinctive sinusoidal trace. Voids will increaseor decrease the amplitudes of the US pulse-echo spectrums. Contaminationin the fusion joint produces unique and easily identifiable wave forms.These characteristics make US a good means for detecting anomalies infusion joints.

The apparatus 100 can include a computing device 104 having a display108, a user input interface 112 that includes a keyboard 116 and atrackpad 120. The computing device 104 also has at least one processorin the form of a central processing unit (“CPU”) 124, random accessmemory (“RAM”) 128, an audio speaker 132 is operable to generate audiomessages and alerts for a user, a network interface 136, andnon-volatile storage 140, and a local bus 144 enabling CPU 124 tocommunicate with the other components. CPU 124 executes at least anoperating system, and a program for analyzing fusion joints. RAM 128provides relatively responsive volatile storage to CPU 124. The userinput interface 112 allows for input to be received, and outputsinformation to output devices, such as the display 108 and/or the audiospeaker 132. The network interface 136 permits communication with othercomputing devices over computer networks such as the Internet. Thenon-volatile storage 140 stores the operating system and programs,including computer-executable instructions for implementing the fusionjoint analysis. During operation of apparatus 100, the operating system,the programs and the data may be retrieved from non-volatile storage 140and placed in RAM 128 to facilitate execution.

A classification rule database 148 is stored in the non-volatile storage140. The classification rule database 148 stores classification rulesfor classifying US scanning positions.

The apparatus 100 also includes an ultrasound (“US”) probe 152. The USprobe 152 is an operator-manipulated device that can be positioned alongan exterior of a fusion joint to transmit US pulses into the fusionjoint and read the resulting US echoes. In an embodiment, the US probe152 is placed along the exterior fitting surface 40 of the electrofusionfitting 32 to transmit US pulses into the joint 20 and read theresulting US echoes.

Typically, the US probe 152 is ¼ inch to ½ inch in diameter andgenerates an US beam of approximately ½ to its full diameter indiameter. While the US probe 152 is shown being coupled via cable to thecomputing device 104, the US probe may be wirelessly coupled to thecomputing device 104 or located remotely from the computing device 104and in communication therewith over a computer network in otherembodiments.

FIG. 3A shows an example of a flowchart for inspecting a fusion joint(200) using the apparatus 100. In order to determine how to analyze aparticular fusion joint, information about the fusion joint and the USprobe is entered into the apparatus 100 (210). The information caninclude the type of fusion joint, the dimensions of the fusion joint, anidentifier of a particular fusion joint model, information aboutdimensions of a fusion zone of the fusion joint, the average heatingwire depth (for electrofusion joint fittings), the size and frequency ofthe US probe, etc.

Based on the information about the fusion joint and US probe, an initialset of US scanning positions is provided by the apparatus (220).

The apparatus 100 establishes a series of intersecting gridlines on anarea that encompasses the fusion joint. The intersecting gridlinesdefine a plurality of cells that cover the entire area. A complete viewof the state of the fusion joint may be obtained if all of these cellsare scanned by the US probe. However, in order to make the analysis moreefficient, the apparatus 100 selects a representative subset of all ofthe cells and instructs the user to scan the same. The representativesubset is referred hereto as an initial set of US scanning locations.The spacing of the scanning locations in the initial set is such thatthe time required to scan the initial set of US scanning positions isless than that required to scan the full set of cells. Furthermore, theinitial set of US scanning locations still provides a relatively goodmethod of detecting defects that may cause the fusion joint to fail.

Once the initial set of US scanning positions are determined by theapparatus 100, the apparatus 100 selects a first unscanned cell anddirects the user to obtain a US pulse-echo spectrum at that location viaa visual indication on the display 108 (230).

Once US echo data is received for the US scanning position (230), the USscanning position is classified (240). The US scanning position isclassified based on the actual detected US echoes versus the expected USechoes for the position and the fusion joint type.

Various approaches for determining a degree of matching between thereceived US pulse-echo spectrum and the expected US pulse-echo spectrummay be used.

For example, one or more rules from the rules database may be used toperform the classification. There are a number of rule sets for each USscanning position in a fusion joint. These can be accessed and modifiedvia an admin module. The information about the US probe and the fusionzone depth is taken into consideration in determining the thresholds toevaluate the rules.

These rules effectively determine a level of match between the actualand expected data for the US scanning position. In addition, these rulescan determine if a defect is present; whether the defect is a void andthe size of the void.

The software may label US scanning positions as green, yellow and red asper the rules. In addition, where a void is clearly identified, the redis further labeled as a small void or a large void. That is, thesoftware can return one of five results: green, yellow, red, small void,or large void.

Upon analyzing and classifying (240) the received US pulse-echo spectrumfor the particular US scanning position, the apparatus checks to see ifthe location that has just been scanned, is anomalous or good (245). Ifthe classification result is anomalous, new US scanning locations (nearthe location classified as anomalous) are added (250). These newscanning locations are still part of the plurality of cells defined bythe gridlines but are outside the initial set of US scanning locations.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , these new locations are not scannedand classified immediately, but rather after step 280. However, in otherembodiments, it is possible to scan and classify the new scanninglocations at step 250.

An illustrative example of steps 220 to 250 is shown in FIGS. 3B and 3Cfor a hypothetical small joint. The apparatus establishes intersectinggridlines 285 that cover the area of the joint, such that there are 3columns (across the joint) and 6 rows (around the joint). This meansthere are a total of 18 cells that span the entire joint. In theinterest of time, the software instructs the user to inspect a subset ofthose cells, highlighted in grey, for a total of 9 US scanninglocations. That is, the initial set of US scanning locations has 9cells.

As each of US scanning locations in the initial set is scanned, it isclassified as good (G) or anomalous (R). If a scanned position isclassified as bad (R), the apparatus adds new scanning positions 290 and295, adjacent the anomalous cells. These new cells may be scanned todetermine the size of the anomaly.

The apparatus then analyzes the collective results (or classifications)of the scanned locations up to this point, by applying a series ofsubtests (255). Upon applying the series of subtests, it is determinedwhether the fusion joint is rejected (260).

The classification data is prepared for evaluation by the subtests. Forexample, in order to calculate the percentage of anomalous readings inan area of the joint map, a value is given to each US scanning position(or cell). As an example, a CellValue(row, column) for each cell may becalculated as follows:

IF (Cell(x) == Red ∥ Cell(x)== Large Void ∥ Cell(x) ==Small Void)) {CellValue(x) = 1 } IF (Cell(x) == Green) { CellValue(x) = 0 } ELSEIF(Cell(x) = Yellow)  {  IF( (PrevHalfCell == Red ∥ PrevHalfCell == LargeVoid ∥ PrevHalfCell ==  Small Void) &&  (NextHalfCell == Red ∥NextHalfCell == Large Void ∥ NextHalfCell == Small  Void) ) {CellValue(x) = 1}  ELSEIF(PrevHalfCell ==Green && NextHalfCell ==Green)  {CellValue(x) = 0}  ELSEIF (PrevHalfCell == Green &&NextHalfCell == Yellow) ∥ (PrevHalfCell  == Yellow && NextHalfCell ==Green)  {CellHalfValue(x) = 0.25}  ELSEIF ( (PrevHalfCell = Red ∥PrevHalfCell = Yellow) && (NextHalfCell ==  Red ∥ NextHalfCell == SmallVoid ∥ NextHalfCell == Large Void) ∥  NextHalfCell == Yellow)) {CellHalfValue(x) = 0.75}  ELSE   {CellValue(x) = 0.5}  } ELSE{CellValue(x) = 0}

That is, a cell value depends on whether the cell is classified asgreen, yellow or red, as well as the classification of the cellsproximate the given cell.

The rejection of a fusion joint can be determined using a series ofsub-tests based on the green, yellow, red and void ratings determinedfor each US scanning position. Each of the sub-tests is a comparison ofa sub-combination of the green, yellow, red, and void ratings and arespective failure threshold. For each sub-test, if the sub-combinationof the ratings is above the respective failure threshold, a flag isset—at which point, the overall test will be a fail. That is, a fusionjoint is rejected if it fails any one of the sub-tests. If, instead, allsub-tests are passed, the fusion joint is not rejected thus far.

The number of subtests vary depending on the type of fusion joint thatis being analyzed. While there is no upper limit to the number ofsubtests, in some embodiments, the number of subtests may be between twoand ten; in other embodiments, the number of subtests may be betweenfour and eight. In some embodiments, the number of subtests may be six;less than six, or greater than six. In addition, some of the sub-testvalues can be calculated differently for couplings and tee joints.

While, in the present embodiment, these sub-tests are calculated eachtime data is collected via the US probe, it can be desirable in otherscenarios to reduce the frequency of these tests, such as applying onceevery ‘n’ tests; applying the sub-tests after scanning every row of USscanning positions, etc. Further, it can be advantageous to only performa sub-set of the tests or perform a sub-set of the tests more frequentlythan other sub-sets of the tests.

If the fusion joint is rejected (based on the subtests), the user isalerted (265). As an example, the apparatus 100 may emit an audible toneand/or present a message on the display 108 to alert the user that thefusion joint is deemed defective. After alerting the user, the method200 ends.

If, instead, the fusion joint is not rejected, any additional USlocation(s) (i.e. either from the initial set, or new locations added atstep 250) that remain (280) are scanned beginning at step (230). The newUS scanning positions (identified at step 250) are scanned andclassified to provide information on the size of an anomaly. In the casewhere the anomaly is a void, classification of the new US scanningpositions can indicate the size of the void. It is possible for a fusionjoint to have a small, localized void, and also be deemed acceptable.However, if the void is large, then the fusion joint is deemedunacceptable.

If the fusion joint is not rejected, and no US scanning positions remainto be scanned, the program ends.

Operation of an embodiment of the apparatus is shown with reference tothe electrofusion coupling joint shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The apparatus100 directs a user to perform US pulse-echo spectrum observations atinitial sample locations along the exterior fitting surface 40 of theelectrofusion fitting 32. The sample locations, including the initialsample locations, in the present embodiment are determined by using anactual or virtual grid.

In a first approach, the apparatus 100 may direct the user to marklocations along the exterior fitting surface 40 of the electrofusionfitting 32. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4A, the apparatus 100 maydirect the user to draw four equally spaced longitudinal lines along theexterior fitting surface 40 of the electrofusion fitting 32, two ofwhich, G4 and G8, are visible. The longitudinal lines are parallel to acentral axis CA of the pipes 24 and the electrofusion fitting 32. Next,the apparatus 100 may direct the user to draw a thick centralcircumferential line L4/R4 about the circumference of the electrofusionfitting 32, and then draw a circumferential line about the circumferenceof the electrofusion fitting 32 adjacent each end of the electrofusionfitting 32, L1 and R1. The apparatus 100 may then directed the user todraw additional longitudinal lines and circumferential lines about theexterior fitting surface 40 of the electrofusion fitting 32 until 16equally spaced longitudinal lines and seven generally equally spacedcircumferential lines have been drawn. Each cell marked by theintersection of the longitudinal and circumferential lines represents alocation.

Depending on the size of the electrofusion fitting 32, the apparatus 100can direct the user to provide more or fewer longitudinal andcircumferential lines to demarcate locations along the exterior fittingsurface 40 of the electrofusion fitting 32.

FIG. 4B shows an electrofusion fitting after the drawing of thelongitudinal and circumferential lines.

FIG. 4C shows virtual locations presented on the display 108 of theapparatus 100. Where the apparatus 100 employs a camera that can imagethe electrofusion fitting 32, the apparatus 100 can overlay locationmarkers on an image of the electrofusion fitting 32 presented on thedisplay 108.

FIG. 5A shows an initial set of US scanning positions for anelectrofusion coupling joint 20 presented by the apparatus 100 to theuser. The set of initial US scanning positions includes three USscanning positions uniformly distributed across each fusion zone 56 (L2,L3, L4, R4, R3, and R2) along each of four evenly spaced longitudinallines (G4, G8, G12, and G16). The four evenly spaced longitudinal linesand the center line divide the fusion zones into eight equally sizedquadrants shown in FIG. 5B. The US scanning positions along L1 and R1are positioned adjacent the ends of the electrofusion fitting 32,relatively removed from the heating wires 52. The US scanning positionsalong L5 and R5 are positioned adjacent the gap 48 between the pipes 24,also relatively removed from the heating wires 52. It is expected thatno fusion will occur in these locations in a properly fusedelectrofusion coupling joint 20. The US scanning positions along L2, L3,L4, R4, R3, and R2 are positioned atop of the heating wires 52. It isthus expected that fusion will occur in these locations in a properlyfused electrofusion coupling joint 20.

The initial set of US scanning positions are distributed about theexterior surface of the electrofusion coupling joint 32 and is selectedso that at least some adjacent pairs of US scanning positions areseparated by at least the width of the US beam generated by the US probe152. As can be seen, the US scanning positions between the US scanningpositions on columns L2 and L3 are at least the width of the US beamgenerated by the US probe 152. Further, the US scanning positionsbetween the US scanning positions on rows G4 and G8 are also at leastthree times the width of the US beam generated by the US probe 152.

With reference to the flowchart in FIG. 3 , once the initial set of USscanning positions are determined by the apparatus 100, the apparatus100 selects a first of the list of unscanned US scanning positions anddirects the user to scan the US pulse-echo spectrum at that location viaa visual indication on the display 108 (230).

FIG. 6 shows positioning of the US probe 152 to scan the initial set ofvirtual US scanning positions identified by the apparatus 100. The USprobe 152 is manually positioned by the user at locations identified bythe apparatus 100; namely, the set of initial US scanning positions. Asthe user is prompted to scan a US scanning position with the US probe152, the user moves the US probe 152 to the location indicated on thedisplay 108 of the apparatus 100 and scans the US pulse-echo spectrum atthe location.

FIG. 7 shows a graphical user interface (“GUI”) 300 presented by theapparatus 100 during inspecting of an electrofusion coupling joint. TheGUI 300 presents an amplitude scan, or A-scan, of the US pulse-echospectrum 304 captured by the US probe 152. A reference US pulse-echospectrum 308 is presented adjacent the US pulse-echo spectrum 304. Thereference US pulse-echo spectrum 308 is the US spectrum expected for theparticular US scanning position being scanned. A joint map 312 shows USscanning positions to be scanned, as well as US scanning positions thathave been scanned. In the illustrated screenshot, an electrofusioncoupling joint has been selected, and none of the US scanning positions(referenced by 320) have been scanned.

As each US scanning position is scanned, the US scanning positions aremarked in the joint map 312 based on whether the US pulse-echo spectrum304 corresponds sufficiently to the reference US spectrum 308; that is,whether the particular position of the fusion joint appears to be asexpected. The correlation between the US pulse-echo spectrum 304 and thereference US spectrum 308 is analyzed and a result indicator 316identifies if the US pulse-echo spectrum 304 corresponds to thereference US spectrum 308.

If the US pulse-echo spectrum 304 corresponds to the reference USspectrum 308 sufficiently, the US scanning position is marked green onthe joint map 312. If it is unclear whether the US pulse-echo spectrum304 corresponds to the reference US spectrum 308 sufficiently, the USscanning position is marked yellow on the joint map 312. Instead, if theUS pulse-echo spectrum 304 does not correspond sufficiently to thereference US spectrum 308, the US scanning position is marked red on thejoint map 312, signifying an anomaly.

US scanning positions 320 (labeled with “F”) in the joint map 312 areidentified for scanning. US scanning positions marked with black (markedwith a ‘C’ for center in the case of an electrofusion coupling joint) inthe joint map 312 are not scanned by the apparatus 100. The US scanningpositions 318 (between L5 and R5) represent the center zone between thetwo pipes 24, and scanning positions 314 are used to identify coldzones; that is, where there are no heating wires 152.

Returning again to FIG. 3 , once data is received for a US scanningposition (230), the US scanning position is classified (240). The USscanning position is classified based on the actual detected US echoesversus the expected US echoes for the position and the fusion jointtype. For example, for an electrofusion coupling joint, in the fusionzones, it is expected that the heating wires will heat and fuse theelectrofusion fitting to the pipe. In the cold zones, it is expectedthat no fusion will occur and that no material will be displaced fromthe fusion zones into the cold zones.

FIG. 8 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in a fusionzone of a non-defective electrofusion coupling joint. US pulse echoeshaving larger amplitudes represent changes in materials as the US pulsetravels through the electrofusion coupling joint. A group of preliminaryUS pulse echoes 404 results from an imperfect interface between the USprobe and the electrofusion coupling joint. A first set of observed USpulse echoes 408 having larger amplitudes represent reflections from theheating wires and the fusion interface between the electrofusion fittingand the pipes and occurs within a first US spectrum range 412. A secondset of observed US pulse echoes 416 having larger amplitudes representreflections from the interior surface of the pipe occurs within a secondUS spectrum range 420. This may also be referred to as a “back wall”spectrum; the highest peak may be referred to as a “back wall peak”

FIG. 9 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 424 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint where fusion was interrupted compared tothe typical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint. In the interrupted US pulse-echo spectrum424, a first set of observed US pulse echoes 432 corresponding to theinterface between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe has muchsmaller amplitudes and is prolonged. A second set of observed US pulseechoes 436 representing reflections from the interior surface of thepipe again has smaller amplitudes and are prolonged.

FIG. 10 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 440 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint having a water pocket/void in the jointcompared to the typical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in anon-defective electrofusion coupling joint. In the US pulse-echospectrum 440 observed in the electrofusion coupling joint having a waterpocket/void in the joint, a first set of observed US pulse echoes 444corresponding to the interface between the electrofusion fitting and thepipe has much larger amplitudes. A second set of observed US pulseechoes 448 representing reflections from the interior surface of thepipe again has much smaller amplitudes and are prolonged.

FIG. 11 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 452 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint having mud or other contamination in thejoint compared to the typical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in anon-defective electrofusion coupling joint. In the US pulse-echospectrum 452 observed in the electrofusion coupling joint having mud orother contamination in the joint, a first set of observed US pulseechoes 456 corresponding to the interface between the electrofusionfitting and the pipe has smaller amplitudes. A second set of observed USpulse echoes 460 representing reflections from the interior surface ofthe pipe again has smaller amplitudes.

FIG. 12 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 464 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint wherein the electrofusion fitting ismisaligned with the polymer pipe compared to the typical US pulse-echospectrum 400 observed in a non-defective electrofusion coupling joint.In the US pulse-echo spectrum 464 observed in the electrofusion couplingjoint wherein the electrofusion fitting is misaligned with the polymerpipe, a first set of observed US pulse echoes 468 corresponding to theinterface between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe has smalleramplitudes. A second set of observed US pulse echoes 472 representingreflections from the interior surface of the pipe again has smalleramplitudes.

FIG. 13 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 476 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint where the polymer pipe is under-insertedinto the electrofusion fitting prior to electrofusion compared to thetypical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint. In the US pulse-echo spectrum 476 observedin the electrofusion coupling joint where the polymer pipe isunder-inserted into the electrofusion fitting prior to electrofusion, afirst set of observed US pulse echoes 480 corresponding to the interfacebetween the electrofusion fitting and the pipe has much largeramplitudes. A second set of observed US pulse echoes 484 representingreflections from the interior surface of the pipe again has much smalleramplitudes that are delayed.

FIG. 14 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 488 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint where the polymer pipe is over-scrapedprior to insertion into the electrofusion fitting compared to thetypical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in a non-defectiveelectrofusion coupling joint. In order to encourage a stronger joint,the exterior pipe surface 28 is scraped. Where the exterior pipe surfaceis over-scraped, a good joint between the electrofusion fitting and theirregular over-scraped exterior pipe surface can be difficult. In the USpulse-echo spectrum 488 observed in the electrofusion coupling jointwhere the polymer pipe is over-scraped prior to insertion into theelectrofusion fitting, a first set of observed US pulse echoes 492corresponding to the interface between the electrofusion fitting and thepipe is delayed. A second set of observed US pulse echoes 496representing reflections from the interior surface of the pipe again hasmuch smaller amplitudes that are delayed.

FIG. 15 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 500 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint where the polymer pipe is not been scrapedprior to insertion into the electrofusion fitting and is oxidizedcompared to the typical US pulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in anon-defective electrofusion coupling joint. Where the exterior pipesurface is not scraped prior to insertion into the electrofusion fittingand is oxidized, a good joint between the electrofusion fitting and thepipe can be difficult, as the oxidized exterior pipe surface can be moredifficult to fuse. In the US pulse-echo spectrum 500 observed in theelectrofusion coupling joint where the polymer pipe is not scraped priorto insertion into the electrofusion fitting and is oxidized, a first setof observed US pulse echoes 504 corresponding to the interface betweenthe electrofusion fitting and the pipe has smaller amplitudes. A secondset of observed US pulse echoes 508 representing reflections from theinterior surface of the pipe again has smaller amplitudes.

FIG. 16 shows a typical US pulse-echo spectrum 512 observed in anelectrofusion coupling joint with a void compared to the typical USpulse-echo spectrum 400 observed in a non-defective electrofusioncoupling joint. In the typical US pulse-echo spectrum 512 observed inthe electrofusion coupling joint with a void, a first set of observed USpulse echoes 516 corresponding to the interface between theelectrofusion fitting and the pipe has much larger amplitudes. A secondset of observed US pulse echoes 520 representing reflections from theinterior surface of the pipe again has smaller amplitudes that aredelayed.

If the received US pulse-echo spectrum matches sufficiently the expectedUS pulse-echo spectrum, the received US pulse-echo spectrum is deemedgood and marked in the joint map 312 with green. If, instead, thereceived US pulse-echo spectrum received matches sufficiently a typicalUS pulse-echo spectrum for a defective joint or simply doesn't match theexpected US pulse-echo spectrum, the received US pulse-echo spectrum isdeemed bad and marked in the joint map 312 with red. If the received USpulse-echo spectrum received matches insufficiently a typical USpulse-echo spectrum for a defective joint or simply doesn't match theexpected US pulse-echo spectrum, the received US pulse-echo spectrum isdeemed undetermined and marked in the joint map 312 with yellow.

Various approaches for determining a degree of matching between thereceived US pulse-echo spectrum and the expected US pulse-echo spectrumcan be employed.

One or more rules from the rules database may be used to perform theclassification. Examples of rules for an electrofusion coupling jointinclude:

-   -   If the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint, and if a        US scanning position is in a cold zone, and the US pulse-echo        spectrum has two peaks above a threshold, then the US scanning        position is deemed good; that is, marked green    -   If the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint, and if a        main peak>a main peak threshold and a back-wall peak<a back wall        threshold, then the US scanning position is marked as bad and as        a small void,    -   If the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint, and if        the maximum amplitude is between the expected ranges for the        expected echoes from the electrofusion fitting/pipe interface        and the back wall, then the US scanning position is bad, and        marked as red

Returning again to FIG. 3 , upon analyzing and classifying (240) thereceived US pulse-echo spectrum for the particular US scanning position,the apparatus checks to see if the location that has just been scanned,is anomalous or good (245). If the classification result is anomalous,additional scanning locations (near the location classified asanomalous) are scanned and classified (250).

The apparatus then analyzes the collective results (or classifications)of the scanned locations at this juncture, by applying a series ofsubtests (255). Upon applying the series of subtests, it is determinedwhether the fusion joint is rejected (260).

The rejection of an electrofusion coupling joint can be determined usinga series of six sub-tests based on the green, yellow, red and voidratings determined for each US scanning position. Each of the sixsub-tests is a comparison of a sub-combination of the green, yellow,red, and void ratings and a respective failure threshold. For eachsub-test, if the sub-combination of the ratings is above the respectivefailure threshold, a flag will be set. If there are any flags, theoverall test will be a fail. That is, a fusion joint is rejected if itfails any one of the six sub-tests. If, instead, all six sub-tests arepassed, the electrofusion fusion joint is not rejected thus far.

The valuation of each scanned cell described above, can be used forsubtests of the electrofusion coupling joint.

In a first sub-test, it can be determined whether the fusion zones aresufficiently fused:Fusion Zone Percentage of Failure (FusionZone %)>=FZ % Thresh  (1)

In a second sub-test, it can be determined whether a single void extendslongitudinally across the fusion joint:Max Single Void across one row (SingleVoidSize)>=SingleVoidThresh  (2)

In a third sub-test, it can be determined if a number of voids extendlongitudinally across the fusion joint:Max Sum of Multiple Voids across row(MultipleVoidSum)>=MultipleVoidThres  (3)

In a fourth sub-test, it can be determined if there are a percent ofyellow or red locations that extend longitudinally across a row of thefusion joint:Max Percentage of Failure across one row (MaxRow %)>=RowThresh  (4)

In a fifth sub-test, it can be determined if there are a percent ofyellow or red locations that exist in any of the quadrants of the fusionjoint (there are eight quadrants in an electrofusion coupling joint):Max Percentage of Failure for the Quadrants (Max Quad%)>=QuadrantThresh  (5)

Finally, in a sixth sub-test, it can be determined if a percent of thecold zone has yellow or red locations:Cold Zone Percentage of Failure (CZ %)>=CZ % Thresh  (6)

If any of these sub-tests are true, then the respective flag is set, andthe fusion joint will be deemed a failure; that is, defective.

While, in the present embodiment, these sub-tests are calculated eachtime data is collected via the US probe, it can be desirable in otherscenarios to reduce the frequency of these tests, such as reducing thefrequency of times the subtests are applied; applying the sub-testsafter scanning every row of US scanning positions, etc. Further, it canbe advantageous to only perform a sub-set of the tests or perform asub-set of the tests more frequently than other sub-sets of the tests.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary joint map 525 of scanned US scanningpositions during inspecting of an electrofusion coupling joint. Theinitial set of US scanning positions are along grid lines G4, G8 andG12. Each US scanned result is discussed as follows.

Along G4, all US scanning positions from L1 to L5 have been deemed‘good’ (labeled as ‘G’ for “green”), including US scanning positions inthe cold zone G4/L1 and G4/L5. However, continuing from R5 to R1, it isseen that following three consecutive good readings (from R5 to R4),five successive ‘red’ (or “bad”) readings are found at US scanningposition R3.5 to R1.5. In addition, the four successive ‘red’ readingsfrom R3.5 to R2 have each been identified as a void. In addition, USscanning positions in the cold zone G4/R5 and G4/R1 are deemed to begood.

Along G8, all US scanning positions from L1 to L5 have been deemed‘good’ (labeled as CG′ for “green”), including US scanning positions inthe cold zone G8/L1 and G8/L5. However, continuing from R5 to R1, it isseen that four consecutive “green” markings from R5 to R3.5 is followedby a ‘red’ reading at R3, followed by four consecutive “green” markingsfrom R2.5 to R1. In addition, US scanning positions in the cold zoneG8/R5 and G8/R1 are deemed to be good.

Along G12, all US scanning positions from L1 to L5 have been deemed‘good’ (labeled as CG′ for “green”), except for US scanning positionL3.5, which is deemed as undetermined (labeled as ‘Y’ for yellow). Inaddition, US scanning positions in the cold zone G12/L1 and G12/L5 aredeemed to be good. However, continuing from R5 to R1, it is seen thatall US scanning positions have been deemed good. In addition, USscanning positions in the cold zone G12/R5 and G12/R1 are deemed to begood.

Once these initial US scanning positions have been classified (as‘green’, ‘red’ or ‘void’), process rules are applied to the collectivereadings to decide if the joint is rejected. In this example, the jointis rejected due to the maximum amount of failure in one row beinggreater than the allowable threshold. In accordance with FIG. 3C,additional US scanning locations are added proximate to each US scanningposition classified as ‘red’. These are further discussed as follows.

For initial US scanning positions classified as ‘red’ along gridline G4,additional positions are scanned proximate to each cell classified as‘red’. These additional scanning positions are along G3, from R3.5 toR1.5; and G5, from R3.5 to R1.5. Following US scanning, it is seen fromFIG. 17 that each of these additional scanning positions is deemed good.These additional US scanned positions indicate that the void extendsonly along G4 from R3.5 to R2. The particular defect at G4/R1.5 is notidentified.

For US scanning positions classified as ‘red’ along gridline G8,additional positions are scanned proximate to the position at G8/R3classified as ‘red’. These additional scanning positions are at G7/R andG9/R3. Following US scanning, it is seen from FIG. 17 , that each ofthese additional scanning positions is deemed good. Therefore, thedefect is localized at G8/R3.

Since there are no US scanned positions marked ‘red’ along G12, thereare no additional positions to scan.

As can be seen, the US scanning positions proximate US scanningpositions classified as red, are also selected for scanning to determinethe size of the bad portions of the electrofusion coupling joint.

Socket Heat Fusion

While the apparatus and approach described above has been narrated withreference to electrofusion joints, it can be used with various othertypes of fusion joints. One such type of fusion joint is one formed viasocket heat fusion, also referred to as socket fusion. Socket fusionjoining involves the heating of an exterior surface at an end of a pipeand an interior surface of a socket joint fitting prior to pressingthese surfaces together.

FIG. 18A shows a pipe 600 and a socket joint fitting 604 oriented forforming a socket joint. The socket joint fitting 604 has acircumferential collar 608 that surrounds an opening 612 for receivingthe pipe 600. An internal annular surface 616 of the collar 608 is sizedto receive an exterior surface 620 at an end of the pipe 600. In orderto fuse the exterior surface 620 of the pipe 600 with the internalannular surface 616 of the socket joint fitting 604, a socket joint tool624 is used to heat up the internal annular surface 616 of the collar608 and the exterior surface 620 of the pipe 600. The socket joint tool624 has an interior annular heating surface 628 corresponding to theexterior surface 620 of the pipe 600, and an exterior cylindricalheating surface 632 corresponding to the internal annular surface 616 ofthe socket joint fitting 608.

Prior to use of the socket joint tool 624, the internal annular surface616 and the exterior surface 620 are lightly abraded to ensure that dirtand hardening along the surface of the pipe 600 and the socket jointfitting 604 are removed.

FIG. 18B shows the pipe 600 and the socket joint fitting 604 beingpressed against the socket joint tool 624. Via contact under pressurewith the interior annular heating surface 628 and the exteriorcylindrical heating surface 632 when heated, the exterior surface 620 ofthe pipe 600 and the internal annular surface 616 of the socket jointfitting 604 are heated, melting some of the material of the socket jointfitting 604 and the pipe 600.

After an appropriate period of time, the socket joint fitting 604 andthe pipe 600 are separated, the socket joint tool 624 is removed, andthe heated exterior surface 620 of the pipe 600 and the heated internalannular surface 616 of the socket joint fitting 604 are pressed intocontact with one another under pressure immediately for a period of timewhile the melted material bonds and cools, as shown in FIG. 18C.

Various issues can occur during the creation of a saddle fusion joint.For example, the pipe 600 and the socket joint fitting 604 can be dirtyor scratched. The pipe 600 and the socket joint fitting 604 can be movedrelative to one another prior to their cooling. The heating temperatureof the socket joint tool 624 may be too high or too low. The heatedinternal annular surface 616 of the socket joint fitting 624 and theexterior surface 620 of the pipe 600 may be allowed to unduly cool priorto joining. The appropriate joining force applied to the pipe 600 andthe socket joint fitting 624 may not be maintained for the prescribedperiod. Any of these issues can result in imperfections in the socketjoint.

The integrity of the socket joint formed by the socket joint fitting 604and the pipe 600 can then be inspected using the apparatus 100 viapositioning of the US probe 152 against an outer surface 636 of thecollar 608 as shown in FIG. 18D. The apparatus 100 can be conditioned toa socket joint inspecting condition and direct a user to move the USprobe 152 accordingly. The socket joint has a single circumferentialfusion zone to inspect in comparison to the two circumferential fusionzones in the electrofusion joint described above. Thus, the tests aresimilar to that for a single side of the electrofusion joint describedabove.

As will be appreciated, socket joints have no cold zones and do not haveheating wires that cause certain types of echoes in the US readings.

Saddle Heat Fusion

Another type of fusion joint testable using the apparatus 100 is asaddle heat fusion joint, also known as a saddle fusion joint. Saddlefusion joining involves the heating of an exterior surface of a pipe andan abutment surface of a tee joint fitting prior to pressing thesesurfaces together.

FIG. 19A shows a pipe 700 and a tee joint fitting 704 oriented forforming a tee joint. The tee joint fitting 704 has an arcuate flange 708that surrounds an opening (not shown). The arcuate flange 708 has anarcuate surface 712 that is dimensioned to correspond to the shape of anexterior surface 716 of the pipe 700. In order to fuse the arcuateflange 708 to the exterior surface 716 of the pipe 700, a saddle jointtool 720 is used to heat up the arcuate surface 712 of the arcuateflange 708 and the exterior surface 716 of the pipe 700. The saddlejoint tool 720 has a circumferentially serrated convex heating surface724 corresponding to the arcuate surface 712 of the arcuate flange 708,and a circumferentially serrated concave heating surface 728corresponding to the exterior surface 716 of the pipe 700.

Prior to use of the saddle joint tool 720, the arcuate surface 712 andthe exterior surface 716 are lightly abraded to ensure that dirt andhardening along the surface of the pipe 700 and the tee joint fitting704 are removed.

FIG. 19B shows the pipe 700 and the tee joint fitting 704 being pressedagainst the saddle joint tool 720. Via contact under pressure with theconvex heating surface 724 and the concave heating surface 728 whenheated, the arcuate surface 712 and the exterior surface 716 are heated,melting some of the material of the tee joint fitting 704 and the pipe700, and forming serrations.

After an appropriate period of time, the tee joint fitting 704 and thepipe 700 are separated, the saddle joint tool 720 is removed, and theheated arcuate surface 712 of the tee joint fitting 704 and the heatedexterior surface 716 of the pipe 700 are pressed into contact with oneanother under pressure immediately for a period of time while the meltedmaterial bonds and cools, as shown in FIG. 19C.

Various issues can occur during the creation of a saddle fusion joint.For example, the pipe and the tee joint fitting can be dirty orscratched. The pipe 700 and the tee joint fitting 704 can be movedrelative to one another prior to their cooling. The heating temperatureof the saddle joint tool 720 may be too high or too low. The heatedarcuate surface 712 of the tee joint fitting and the exterior surface716 of the pipe 700 may be allowed to unduly cool prior to joining. Theappropriate joining force applied to the pipe 700 and the tee jointfitting 704 may not be maintained for the prescribed period. Any ofthese issues can result in imperfections in the tee joint.

The integrity of the tee joint formed by the tee joint fitting 704 andthe pipe 700 can then be inspected using the apparatus 100 viapositioning of the US probe 152 against an outer surface 732 of thearcuate flange 708 as shown in FIG. 19D. The apparatus 100 can beconditioned to a tee joint inspecting condition and direct a user tomove the US probe 152 accordingly.

Difference Between Couplings and Tee Joints

The fusion zone for a tee joint occurs around a perimeter of the arcuatesurface 712 of the arcuate flange 708 of the tee joint fitting 704. Inmany cases, the integrity of the tee joint is only inspected along theouter surface 732 of the arcuate flange 708.

For couplings, void sizes are calculated across a row, for example if avoid spanned across Row 2—L2, 2.5, L3, these would all be summedtogether to make one void size.

For tee joints, a void size would be calculated across columns, only ifthe columns are on the same side of the tee joint. For example, if a teehas 4 rows, rows 1 and 2 will be on the back of the tee joint and rows 3and 4 will be on the front side of the tee joint. There typically is anequal number of rows on the front and back of a tee joint. Therefore, avoid would be sized if the void was found in row 1, L2 and row 2, L2.

If only one void is found in a row, it will be sized, divided by thefusion zone width (w), a value that is calculated and stored for eachrow. If more than one void is found in a row (i.e., there are multiplecells that are not adjacent to each other), all void sizes will besummed, divided by the fusion zone width (w).

Here is an example of how to size a void:

Int y = 0 // Void Counter For (int i=0; i < 5; i++) // Cycle through onerow (Fusion Zone Only)- L2, L2.5, L3, L3.5, L4  {  IF(Cell(i)==LVoid ∥Cell(i)==SVoid)) // If the cell is a void - small or large   {   IF(Cell(i−1) != LVoid && Cell(i−1) != SVoid) // If the previous cell isn'ta   void    {    SWITCH(Cell(i−1)     Case SVoid: VoidSize(y)= 0.5 *BeamWidth     Case LVoid: VoidSize(y)= 0.75 * BeamWidth    }   ELSEIF(Cell(i−1) == Cell(i)) // If the previous cell is the same void   typeas the current cell    {    VoidSize(y)=VoidSize(y) + diameter/4    }  ELSEIF(Cell(i) ==SVoid && Cell(i−1)==LVoid)    {   VoidSize(y)=VoidSize(y) + diameter/4 + b/8    }   ELSEIF(Cell(i)==LVoid && Cell(i−1)==SVoid)    {    VoidSize(y)=VoidSize(y) +diameter/4 − b/8    }  ELSEIF (Cell(i−1) ==LVoid ∥ Cell(i)==SVoid)) //Found the end of a void   {   y++ // next void   }  }

The maximum single void found is then divided by the fusion zone width.The maximum sum of multiple voids is then divided by the fusion zonewidth.

Row Percentage (Leak Path) Analysis

This percentage will use the same CellValue calculation as above.

The calculation is the sum of all CellValue(row,column) in the fusionzone for a row (ex. L2, L2.5, L3, L3.5, L4 of L1, L1.5, L2, L2.5, L3,L3.5, L4, L4.5, L5) divided by the count of cells in the fusion zone inthat row (5 in the example given).

A percentage should be calculated for each row on the left side, andeach row on the right side. The maximum of all row percentages will bestored in MaxRow % and compared against the RowThresh.

If MaxRow %>RowThresh {JointQuality=1}

Quadrant Quality Percent Analysis

Each side of the fusion zone is divided into 4 equally sized sections(#Rows/4), for a total of eight quadrants for couplings. For tee joints,four quadrants are used, two on the left side and two on the right side.

Cold Zone Quality Percent Analysis

This calculation does not apply to tee joints.

Butt Heat Fusion Butt heat fusion joints also referred to as butt fusionjoints, can also be inspected with the apparatus 100. In butt heatfusion joining, two adjacent ends of pipes are heated, then pressedtogether such that the ends fuse. Whereas in electrofusion joints thefusion zone is parallel to the pipes, in butt-fusion joints, the fusionzone is perpendicular to the pipes. This requires a different way tocollect data regarding the butt-fusion joint, using a differenttechnique. In an embodiment, the US signals are directed at anglesoblique to the surface of the pipes being joined. While the manner inwhich the data is collected differs from that of other fusion joints,the way the data is used to assess the integrity of a butt-fusion jointis similar to data analysis of other types of fusion joints.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a butt-fusion procedure comprising heatingthe squared ends 804, 806 of two pipes 800 and 802 by holding themagainst a heated plate 808 resulting in a melting zone 810. While theshape of the ends 804, 806 is circular, other shapes can be butt-fused.The heater plate 810 is part of a butt fusion machine 814 that is usedto clamp and align the two pipes 800 and 802, followed by application ofa fusion force. In FIG. 20B, the heater plate 808 is removed when aproper melt is obtained, promptly bringing the ends 804, 806 intocontact together, and allowing the butt joint 812 to cool whilemaintaining an appropriate applied force. The butt-fusion procedure alsoapplies to a pipe and a fitting, or two fittings.

Prior to the butt-fusion procedure shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, the surfaceof each end 804, 806 is abraded to square the ends and ensure that dirtand hardening along the surface of each pipe end is removed.

Various issues can occur during the creation of a butt-fusion joint. Forexample, the surface of one or both square ends 804, 806 can be dirty orscratched. The pipes 800 and 802 may move relative to one another priorto their cooling, or the ends 804, 806 may be misaligned when incontact. The heated surfaces of the ends 804, 806 may be allowed tounduly cool prior to joining. The appropriate joining force applied topipes 800 and 802 may not be maintained for the prescribed period. Anyof these issues can result in imperfections in the butt-fusion joint.

The integrity of the butt-fusion joint 812 can then be inspected usingthe apparatus 100 via positioning of a US probe 152 against an outersurface 830 of pipe 802 as shown in FIG. 20C. As the joint plane isperpendicular to the surface of the pipes 800 and 802, the US signalsare directed at angles oblique to the surface of the end of each pipethat is joined. An angled ultrasound transducer propagates a US signalinto the material at an angle to inspect the butt-fusion region 812.This is done since the region directly above the butt-fusion isnon-uniform and raised, making it difficult to propagate a US signalinto the material. The US propagates through the material at an angleand reflects any defects back towards the US transducer. The rest of theUS signal propagates through the material in other directions and is notbe returned to the transducer. An example of a defect signal 840 isshown in FIG. 20D. This procedure can also be reproduced by placing theUS probe 152 on the outer surface 835 of pipe 800 and directing obliqueUS signals towards the butt-fusion joint 812. As will be appreciated,butt-fusion joints have no cold zones and do not have heating wires thatcause certain types of echoes in the US readings that are observed forelectrofusion joints.

The apparatus 100 can be conditioned to butt-fusion joint inspectingcondition and direct a user to move the US probe 152 accordingly. Thebutt-fusion joint has a single circumferential fusion zone to inspect incomparison to the two circumferential fusion zones in the electrofusionjoint described previously. Thus, the tests are similar to that for asingle side of the electrofusion joint described above.

FIG. 21 illustrates longitudinal and circumferential lines drawn on theexterior surface 830, 835 of each pipe 800, 802 to demarcate US scanningpositions on either side of the butt fusion joint 812.

In a first approach, the apparatus 100 may direct the user to marklocations along exterior surfaces 830 and 835. In particular, as shownin FIG. 21 , the apparatus 100 may direct the user to draw twelveequally spaced longitudinal lines along the exterior surfaces 830 and835 proximate the butt-fusion joint 812. In FIG. 21 , seven of theselongitudinal lines G6-G12 are visible. The longitudinal lines areparallel to a central axis of the pipes 800 and 802.

Next, the apparatus 100 may direct the user to draw centralcircumferential lines R1, R2, L1 and L3 about the circumference of eachpipe 800 and 802, adjacent each end of the butt-fusion joint 812. Insome embodiments, the number of longitudinal lines may be more or lessthan 16; similarly, the number of circumferential lines may be more orless than two on each pipe. Each intersection of the longitudinal andcircumferential lines represents a location.

Depending on the size of the pipes 800 and 802, the apparatus 100 candirect the user to provide more or fewer longitudinal andcircumferential lines to demarcate locations along the exterior surfaces830 and 835.

As with the example of other fusion joints, echo spectra of knowndefects can form part of a database, against which the US spectra of abutt-fusion joint between two pipes can be compared. The butt fusiondata is analyzed in a manner similar to that of electrofusion. Theaggregate data of a butt-fusion joint is examined for voids and patternsof defects. In some embodiments, patterns may include a certainpercentage of negative readings in quadrants; percentage of negativereadings in rows; and/or percentage of negative readings overall.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the aggregate data of scanning locations isanalyzed at step 260 to see if the joint is rejected. If the joint isnot rejected, further US scanning positions are scanned unless there areno more to scan.

Saddle Electrofusion

Electrofusion saddle joints can also be inspected with the apparatus100. FIG. 22A illustrates a front cut-away view of an electrofusionsaddle 900 applied to a pipe 905. Similar to FIG. 1B, the electrofusionsaddle joint is formed by heating wires 910 that are connected toelectrical connectors 915. As in FIG. 1B, the electrofusion saddle jointhas cold zones 920 where no heating between the saddle 900 and anoutside surface of the pipe 905 takes place; and fusion zones 920 whereheating takes place (due to the heating wires 910) to fuse theelectrofusion saddle 900 with the pipe 905.

FIG. 22B illustrates a cut-away side view of the placement of a US probe152 on an outside surface 920 of the electrofusion saddle 900 whenoperating the apparatus 100, using, for example, the method described inthe flowchart of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 22C illustrates a series of grid lines L1-L5 and R1-R5 provided bythe apparatus 100, which define a series of cells. In accordance withthe embodiment of FIG. 3 , the apparatus selects an initial set of USscanning positions from among these cells. The electrofusion saddlejoint can be analyzed by the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

Other types of heat fusion joints that can be inspected using thegeneral approach identified above will occur to those skilled in theart.

By selecting an initial set of US scanning positions and terminating thescanning of positions prior to the scanning of all scanning positionsidentified for scanning, user time spent, and apparatus powerconsumption can be reduced. Further, by selectively adding additional USscanning positions as required, anomalies can be investigated in anefficient manner and with less skill than otherwise required.

While the use of the apparatus was described in above embodiments forplastic pipes and fittings, it is contemplated that the apparatus can beused for other types of joints. For example, in some scenarios, jointswith one or more metal components can be inspected using the apparatusdescribed above. Other types of joints will occur to those skilled inthe art.

Computer-executable instructions for implementing the joint fusioninspecting method on a computer system could be provided separately fromthe computer system, for example, on a computer-readable medium (suchas, for example, an optical disk, a hard disk, a USB drive or a mediacard) or by making them available for downloading over a communicationsnetwork, such as the Internet.

While the computer system is shown as a single physical computer, itwill be appreciated that the computer system can include two or morephysical computers in communication with each other. Accordingly, whilethe embodiment shows the various components of the computer systemresiding on the same physical computer, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the components can reside on separate physicalcomputers.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet morealternative implementations and modifications possible, and that theabove examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations.The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appendedhereto and any amendments made thereto.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   20 electrofusion coupling joint    -   24 pipe    -   26 interior pipe surface    -   28 exterior pipe surface    -   32 electrofusion fitting    -   36 interior electrofusion fitting surface    -   40 exterior electrofusion fitting surface    -   44 ridge    -   48 gap    -   52 heating wire    -   56 fusion zone    -   60 cold zone    -   64 electrical connector    -   100 an apparatus embodiment    -   104 computing device    -   108 display    -   112 user input interface    -   116 keyboard    -   120 trackpad    -   124 CPU    -   128 RAM    -   132 audio speaker    -   136 network interface    -   140 non-volatile memory    -   144 local bus    -   148 rule database    -   152 US probe    -   G4 longitudinal line    -   G8 longitudinal line    -   CA central axis    -   L1 circumferential line    -   L2 circumferential line    -   L3 circumferential line    -   L4/R4 circumferential line    -   R1 circumferential line    -   R2 circumferential line    -   R3 circumferential line    -   200 method of inspecting a fusion joint    -   210 receive information about fusion joint and US probe    -   220 provide initial set of US scanning locations    -   230 Perform scan and receive data for US scanning location    -   240 classify US scanning location    -   245 Classification good?    -   250 Add new US scanning locations nearby    -   255 Apply subtests to scanned locations    -   260 joint rejected?    -   265 Alert user    -   280 remaining locations to scan?    -   300 graphical user interface    -   304 US pulse-echo spectrum    -   308 reference US pulse-echo spectrum    -   312 joint map    -   314 cold zone scanning position    -   316 result indicator    -   318 center zone position    -   320 scanning position    -   400 typical US pulse-echo spectrum    -   404 preliminary US pulse echoes    -   408 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   412 first US spectrum range    -   416 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   420 second US spectrum range    -   424 interrupted US pulse-echo spectrum    -   432 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   436 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   440 typical US pulse-echo spectrum having a water/pocket void    -   444 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   448 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   452 typical US pulse-echo spectrum having contamination in the        electrofusion coupling joint    -   456 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   460 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   464 typical US pulse-echo spectrum of misaligned electrofusion        coupling joint    -   468 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   472 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   476 typical US pulse-echo spectrum of electrofusion coupling        joint where pipe is under-inserted    -   480 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   484 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   488 typical US pulse-echo spectrum of over-scraped pipe    -   492 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   496 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   500 typical US pulse-echo spectrum of oxidized pipe    -   504 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   508 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   512 typical US pulse-echo spectrum having a void    -   516 first set of observed US pulse echoes    -   520 second set of observed US pulse echoes    -   525 joint map    -   600 pipe    -   604 socket joint fitting    -   608 collar    -   612 opening    -   616 internal annular surface    -   620 exterior surface    -   624 socket joint tool    -   628 interior annular heating surface    -   632 exterior cylindrical heating surface    -   636 outer surface    -   700 pipe    -   704 tee joint fitting    -   708 arcuate flange    -   712 arcuate surface    -   716 exterior surface    -   720 saddle joint tool    -   724 convex heating surface    -   728 concave heating surface    -   732 outer surface    -   800 pipe    -   802 pipe    -   804 pipe end    -   806 pipe end    -   808 hot plate    -   810 melting zone    -   812 butt-fusion joint    -   830 outer surface of pipe    -   835 outer surface of pipe    -   840 defect signal    -   900 electrofusion saddle    -   905 pipe    -   910 heating wires    -   915 electrical connector    -   920 cold zone    -   925 fusion zone

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint, theapparatus comprising: an ultrasound (“US”) probe; and a processor incommunication with the US probe, the processor configured to: measure,via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from one or more US scanningpositions of an initial subset of US scanning positions from apredetermined set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint;measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from one or more newUS scanning positions selected from predetermined US scanning positionsadjacent at least one US scanning position having a measured USecho-spectrum classified as anomalous; and evaluate an aggregate of themeasured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processoris further configured to: select the initial subset of US scanningpositions from the predetermined set of US scanning positions; andclassify each measured US pulse echo spectrum with use of one or moreknown US pulse echo spectrums.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2further comprising: a database storing classification rules; wherein theprocessor selects the initial subset of US scanning positions with useof information related to at least one of the US probe and the fusionjoint, and wherein the processor's classifying each measured US pulseecho spectrum includes: comparing each measured US pulse echo spectrumwith said one or more US pulse echo spectrums generating a comparison;and classifying each measured pulse echo spectrum with use of thecomparison and the classification rules.
 4. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one adjacent pair of the initial US scanningpositions is separated by at least one width of an US beam generated bythe US probe.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to determine the fusion joint is notdefective in a case of every US scanning position of the initial subsetof US scanning positions having a measured US echo-spectrum classifiedas good.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a beam of theUS probe is perpendicular or oblique to the fusion joint.
 7. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to analyze the US pulse-echo spectrums of the US scanningpositions in a longitudinal row extending axially along the fusion jointto determine if the fusion joint is defective.
 8. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured toidentify a void in the fusion joint or identify and estimate a size of avoid in the fusion joint.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein the fusion joint is selected from the group consisting of anelectrofusion joint, a butt-fusion joint and a saddle joint.
 10. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electrofusion joint is anelectrofusion coupling joint, an electrofusion saddle joint, anelectrofusion elbow joint or an electrofusion tee joint.
 11. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fusion joint is anelectrofusion coupling joint or an electrofusion saddle joint; and theprocessor is further configured to analyze the measured US pulse-echospectrums in at least one of a fusion zone and a cold zone to determineif the fusion joint is defective.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim9, wherein: the fusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint; and theprocessor is further configured to analyze the measured US pulse-echospectrums from US scanning positions in a quadrant representing aportion of the electrofusion coupling joint between a fusion fitting andone of the pipes joined in the electrofusion coupling fusion joint inwhich heating wires are located, to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein evaluationof the aggregate is based on a plurality of sub-tests applied to valuesassigned to the measured US pulse-echo spectrums.
 14. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 13, wherein the number of sub-tests is between four andten.
 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the number ofsub-tests is six.
 16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising a display; and wherein the processor is further configured toidentify the initial subset of US scanning positions to a user via thedisplay.
 17. A method for inspecting a fusion joint, comprising:measuring, via a US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from one or more USscanning positions of an initial subset of US scanning positions from apredetermined set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint;measuring, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from one or morenew US scanning positions selected from predetermined US scanningpositions adjacent at least one US scanning position having a measuredUS echo-spectrum classified as anomalous; and evaluating, by theprocessor, an aggregate of the measured US pulse-echo spectrums todetermine if the fusion joint is defective.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: selecting, by the processor, the initial subset ofUS scanning positions from the predetermined set of US scanningpositions; and classifying, by the processor, each measured US pulseecho spectrum with use of one or more known US pulse echo spectrums. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein selecting, by the processor, the initialsubset of US scanning positions is performed with use of informationrelated to at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint, andwherein the classifying, by the processor, each measured US pulse echospectrum includes: comparing each measured US pulse echo spectrum withsaid one or more US pulse echo spectrums generating a comparison; andclassifying each measured pulse echo spectrum with use of the comparisonand the classification rules.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 17,wherein at least one adjacent pair of the initial US scanning positionsis separated by at least one width of an US beam generated by the USprobe.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 17 further comprisingdetermining, by the processor, that the fusion joint is not defective ina case of every US scanning position of the initial subset of USscanning positions having a measured US echo-spectrum classified asgood.
 22. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein a beam of the USprobe is perpendicular or oblique to the fusion joint.
 23. The method asclaimed in claim 17, wherein the US pulse-echo spectrums of the USscanning positions in a longitudinal row extending axially along thefusion joint are analyzed by the processor, to determine if the fusionjoint is defective.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 17, furthercomprising identifying a void in the fusion joint or identifying andestimating a size of a void in the fusion joint, by the processor. 25.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fusion joint is selectedfrom the group consisting of an electrofusion joint, a butt-fusion jointand a saddle joint.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein theelectrofusion joint is an electrofusion coupling joint, an electrofusionsaddle joint, an electrofusion elbow joint or an electrofusion teejoint.
 27. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the fusion jointis an electrofusion coupling joint or an electrofusion saddle joint; andthe method further comprises analysis, by the processor, of the measuredUS pulse-echo spectrums in at least one of a fusion zone and a cold zoneto determine if the fusion joint is defective.
 28. The method as claimedin claim 25, wherein: the fusion joint is an electrofusion couplingjoint; and the method further comprises analysis, by the processor, ofthe measured US pulse-echo spectrums in a quadrant representing aportion of the electrofusion coupling joint between a fusion fitting andone of the pipes joined in the electrofusion coupling joint in whichheating wires are located, to determine if the fusion joint isdefective.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein evaluation ofthe aggregate is based on a plurality of sub-tests applied to valuesassigned to the measured US pulse-echo spectrums.